Last reviewed: 29 September 2026

Planning to apply for an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)? Check your eligibility before paying for training or submitting an application. Since 1 August 2026, completing the five basic STCW courses alone is no longer a route to a new Indian CDC. Applicants must meet the basic requirements and qualify under one of the pathways specified by the maritime administration. (DGS Order 12 of 2026; Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026)

What is an Indian CDC?

A Continuous Discharge Certificate is an official identity and service record for Indian seafarers. It records a seafarer’s service on board merchant ships. The CDC is issued by a Government Shipping Office, not by a maritime training institute. (DG Shipping CDC information)

Completing a course and obtaining a CDC are separate processes. Neither a training certificate nor a CDC guarantees a job on a ship.

What changed in 2026?

Previously, some applicants sought a CDC after completing only five basic STCW safety and security courses. DGS Order 12 of 2026 discontinued CDC issuance based solely on those five courses from 1 August 2026. The order also instructs approved maritime training institutes not to advertise the courses as a standalone route to a CDC. Applicants must now qualify under an eligible category in addition to meeting the basic requirements. (DGS Order 12 of 2026)

What are the basic requirements for a fresh CDC?

Under the 2026 rules and application notice, an applicant must:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have passed Class 10 from a recognised board, or hold an accepted equivalent qualification.
• Have a valid medical fitness certificate issued under the applicable maritime rules.
• Hold valid certificates from an approved maritime training institute for Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), Elementary First Aid (EFA), Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), and either Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD) or Ship Security Officer (SSO).
• Meet the conditions of one eligible CDC pathway.

These are the basic CDC requirements. A particular pre-sea course or career route may have additional admission, age, medical, or qualification requirements. (Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026, Annexure I)

Which pathways can qualify for an Indian CDC?

DGS Order 12 of 2026 lists the eligible categories. These include:

1. Approved pre-sea training: Candidates who complete a Director-General-approved pre-sea course and the required basic STCW training. The September 2026 notice explains when candidates on longer courses may apply and what course evidence they must provide.
2. Agniveer service: Candidates with an applicable Agniveer discharge certificate and the required basic STCW training.
3. Hospitality training: Eligible candidates with the specified catering or hospitality qualification, an approved Orientation Course for Catering Personnel (OCCP), and the required basic STCW training.
4. Cruise-ship hospitality or passenger-service work: Eligible candidates engaged through an approved recruitment and placement agency with the required letter of intent and STCW training. A CDC issued through this route is restricted to cruise-vessel service.
5. Former Indian Navy personnel: Eligible retired officers or sailors with the required discharge evidence and STCW training.
6. Certified cooks and Certificate of Competency holders: Eligible candidates with a recognised Cook Certificate of Competency or other applicable Certificate of Competency, together with the required basic STCW training.

Each pathway has its own supporting-document requirements. Check the 2026 order and application notice for the category that applies to you before submitting your application.

Is Basic Safety Training enough to get a CDC?

No. Basic Safety Training (BST) covers four subjects: PST, FPFF, EFA and PSSR. STSDSD or SSO addresses the separate security-training requirement. Even completing all five required subjects does not, by itself, qualify a new applicant for a CDC under the rule effective from 1 August 2026. You must also meet an eligible pathway and the other applicable requirements. (DG Shipping training FAQ; DGS Order 12 of 2026)

How do I apply?

1. Identify your eligible pathway. Review the official order and the supporting evidence required for your category.
2. Check your basic documents and training certificates. Confirm that your medical certificate and required STCW certificates are valid.
3. Use the official online CDC application process. Follow the current instructions from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), upload the documents requested for your pathway, and pay the fee shown in the CDC e-module.
4. Keep your application record. Save the submission and payment details and follow the status through the official system.

The DGMA CDC page and Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026 are the sources to check for current application instructions. The notice says the system will stop accepting applications under the 2017 CDC rules from 2 October 2026.

What is the CDC application fee?

For applications submitted on or after 2 October 2026, Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026 sets a ₹3,000 fee for a fresh CDC, renewal, duplicate, or replacement or alteration. The notice provides an exception for a duplicate CDC lost due to fire on board or another marine peril. Check the amount displayed in the official application system when you submit. (Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026)

What if I already have a CDC?

The September 2026 notice says CDCs issued under the previous rules remain valid. You do not need to replace an existing valid CDC merely because the 2026 rules have been introduced. A CDC issued under the new rules is valid for 10 years from its date of issue or renewal. (Merchant Shipping Notice 6 of 2026)

How can SSNT College help?

SSNT College can help you understand its available maritime training courses and the entry requirements for a course you are considering. When you contact admissions, tell us your intended role, existing qualifications, training certificates, and preferred course. We can help you find the relevant course information; the issuing authority decides CDC eligibility and applications.

Explore SSNT courses or contact SSNT College before booking.